In Summation...

515 was a very valuable class.  This class brought together ideological learning (with the "Supporting Learning with Technology" textbook) and hands-on practice.  The text was very beneficial, introducing research on how to properly incorporate technology into the classroom.  Some of the major benefits that this class brought to my workplace were spreadsheets, calendars, and conducting a proper Internet search.  I have already incorporated a spreadsheet assignment into my Consumer Math class; and the calendars have helped me organize my commitments.  Also, the ability to conduct a proper Internet search has allowed me to search for resources on the web much more efficiently.  Overall, I have learned quite a bit from this class, and have taken away several useful tools.  It's nice to be able to implement concepts almost immediately.  I look forward to our next class and another challenge.

What are we learning? What are the effects?

We covered a lot of content this week in class, both informative and interesting.  The first thing I learned about was a very interesting perspective on the future of education.  The Sir Ken Robinson video was very informative and thought provoking.  It definitely makes a person rethink their view on the importance of creativity.  We also learned, through our textbook, how to approach professional development with technology, along with how to make sure our technology use is in the best interest of our students.  We also covered the importance of software evaluation, along with all the "red tape" that comes with purchasing software.  Finally, we learned about the various advantages to having a website, built through Google.

The software evaluation, website, and technology plan will undoubtedly have an impact on my teaching.  Learning how to use technological tools, along with setting up a site that my students can use will be paramount to a regular incorporation of technology.

InTime Video---Graphing Linear Equations

The lesson that I chose to follow from InTime Video was entitled Graphing Linear Equations, by Pam Maclin.  As a math teacher, it is always beneficial to be able convey the content in a different manner.  This particular lesson was on graphing linear equations, which is a staple in my Pre-Algebra class.  The lesson begins by the students manipulating equations into slope-intercept form (this allows them to more easily graph the equation).  After obtaining their equations, they went to graphing through the use of interactive software.  She also added a competitive aspect to the assignment, as the software keeps track of points, depending on whether or not the intercepts and/or slope were found correctly (adding points if done correctly, subtracting if not).  She also added in a matching section where students were given cards, and then had to find their "match" based on if their equation was the same as their slope-intercept form.  I felt this teacher did a great job of giving the appropriate amount of time to her remedial Algebra class, along with the group work that allowed for everyone to be "the smart kid" at one point or another.  Whereas I lack the software to complete the graphs in this project, it is something I will be looking into.  Overall, there were several aspects of this project that I found pertinent to my classroom instruction.  I will certainly consult this teacher's lesson plans before I begin my lesson on graphing linear equations.

Spreadsheets, Magic Squares, and More

I found the activities that were assigned for this week interesting, and for the most part, directly applicable to my classroom.

The first activity was that of the "Magic Square."  This was a three by three cube, using the single digits 1-9 only once, in which all the rows, columns, and diagonals added up to fifteen.  It took about five minutes to figure out the combination, but it was really more mentally stimulating than it was laborious.  The next activity was to create an interactive spreadsheet for a recipe.  With limited experience of spreadsheets, I must admit that I was skeptical at first, but really enjoyed the work once I got into the formulas.  As a math teacher, I appreciated the ability to create a product formula that made my calculations of ingredients much more efficient.  I'm still not confident enough in my cooking abilities to give this recipe a chance however.  Next, through the aid of NetTrekker, I was able to find a lesson involving spreadsheets that was quite applicable to my Consumer Math class.  As we are working on sales tax and unit pricing, I believe this lesson will not only incorporate such content, but also illustrate how the use of formulas (sum, product, if) can make our calculations much swifter.  Finally, in the reading I found a very interesting software program that I'm looking into at the present.  Chapter 7 discussed a "Problem of the Week."  This particular math problem was quite the thinker, and had me working on it for a couple of minutes.  I feel it would be a great way to begin the class period.

Overall, I believe all the activities from this week were math oriented in some way.  It is always nice to get new ideas into the classroom!